Spanish mobile phone and SIM cards

Getting a Spanish mobile phone is one of the first practical tasks after arriving. Whether you need a quick prepaid SIM or a full contract with a new phone, Spain offers plenty of options at competitive prices compared to many other European countries.

This guide covers how to get connected, which providers to consider, and what you need as a foreigner.

Prepaid vs contract

Your first decision is between prepaid (prepago) and contract (contrato) plans.

Type	Pros	Cons
Prepaid	No commitment, easy to get, no credit check	Higher per-unit costs, manual top-ups
Contract	Better value, includes phones, predictable bills	12-24 month commitment, requires documentation

Prepaid is ideal when you first arrive. You can buy a SIM immediately with just your passport and start using it. No Spanish bank account or NIE required at most providers.

Contract offers better value long-term. Once you have a NIE and Spanish bank account, switching to a contract plan typically saves money and often includes a subsidized smartphone.

What you need to get a SIM

Requirements vary by provider and plan type:

Prepaid SIM:

• Passport or ID card
• Spanish address (some providers)
• Cash or card payment

Contract plan:

• NIE (foreigner identification number)
• Spanish bank account
• Proof of address
• Passport or ID card

Some providers are more flexible than others. Low-cost operators often have simpler requirements, while major carriers may be stricter for contracts.

Major mobile providers

Spain has four network operators that own infrastructure, plus numerous virtual operators (MVNOs) using their networks.

Movistar

The largest operator, owned by Telefónica. Best coverage nationwide, including rural areas. Premium pricing but reliable service. Good for those wanting maximum coverage and willing to pay for it.

• Network: Own infrastructure
• Coverage: Excellent nationwide
• Pricing: Premium (€30-60/month for mobile)
• Stores: Everywhere

Vodafone

Second-largest operator with strong urban coverage. Competitive with Movistar on pricing and often runs promotions. Good customer service in English.

• Network: Own infrastructure
• Coverage: Excellent in cities, good rural
• Pricing: Premium (€25-50/month)
• Stores: Common in cities

Orange

Third major operator, strong in cities. Often slightly cheaper than Movistar and Vodafone with similar service quality. Popular with younger users.

• Network: Own infrastructure
• Coverage: Very good urban, adequate rural
• Pricing: Mid-premium (€20-45/month)
• Stores: Common in cities

MásMóvil Group

Fourth operator, owns Yoigo and has acquired Euskaltel and other regional operators. Competitive pricing, good urban coverage.

• Network: Own infrastructure + roaming agreements
• Coverage: Good urban, variable rural
• Pricing: Mid-range (€15-35/month)
• Stores: Limited

Low-cost operators (MVNOs)

Virtual operators offer significant savings by using the major networks’ infrastructure. Quality is identical—you’re using the same towers—but customer service may be more limited.

Operator	Network used	Starting price	Notes
Pepephone	Movistar	€7/month	Popular, good service
Lowi	Vodafone	€8/month	Vodafone’s budget brand
Simyo	Orange	€6/month	Flexible plans
Digi	Own + roaming	€5/month	Cheapest, growing network
O2	Movistar	€10/month	Movistar’s budget brand
Amena	Orange	€7/month	Orange’s budget brand
Lycamobile	Multiple	€5/month	Good for international calls

Low-cost operators typically offer online-only service, meaning no physical stores. Customer service is usually via app, chat, or phone rather than in person.

Typical plan costs

Mobile plan pricing in Spain is competitive:

Data	Calls/SMS	Typical cost
5GB	Unlimited	€8-15/month
15GB	Unlimited	€12-20/month
30GB	Unlimited	€18-30/month
Unlimited	Unlimited	€25-45/month

These prices are for SIM-only plans. Adding a phone to a contract increases monthly costs by €5-25 depending on the device.

Family plans with multiple lines offer discounts. Bundling mobile with home fiber internet typically saves 20-30% versus separate services.

Getting a prepaid SIM

The fastest way to get connected:

Phone stores – Walk into any Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, or MásMóvil store with your passport. Buy a prepaid SIM for €10-20, which usually includes some initial credit. Activation takes minutes.

Supermarkets and kiosks – Carrefour, MediaMarkt, and some tobacco shops sell prepaid SIMs. You may need to activate online or by phone.

Online – Order a SIM for delivery to your Spanish address. Takes 2-5 days. Good for low-cost operators without physical stores.

Airport – Vodafone and Orange have shops at major airports. Convenient but slightly pricier.

Top up credit at any tobacco shop (estanco), supermarket, or online through the operator’s app.

Switching to contract

Once you have your NIE and bank account, switching to a contract plan is straightforward:

1. Choose your operator and plan
2. Visit a store or apply online
3. Provide NIE, bank details, and ID
4. Sign the contract (12-24 months typical)
5. Port your number or get a new one

Number portability (portabilidad) is free and takes 1-2 business days. You keep using your old SIM until the switch completes.

Permanence clauses – Most contracts include a minimum term (permanencia). Canceling early incurs penalties, typically the remaining monthly fees or a portion thereof. Read the terms carefully.

Keeping your foreign number

If you want to keep your home country number active while in Spain:

Roaming – EU residents can use their home plans in Spain under “roam like at home” rules. Non-EU visitors have roaming charges that add up quickly.

WiFi calling – Many carriers support calling over WiFi. Keep your home SIM in an old phone connected to WiFi.

VoIP apps – WhatsApp, Skype, and similar apps let you call using your home number over internet.

eSIM – If your phone supports eSIM, you can have both your home and Spanish numbers active simultaneously.

For most expats, getting a Spanish number is simpler and cheaper than maintaining foreign plans long-term.

Business and freelancer plans

If you’re working as an autónomo (self-employed), business plans offer:

• VAT (IVA) invoices for tax deductions
• Multiple lines under one account
• Higher data allowances
• Priority customer service

Business plans are available from all major operators. Pricing is similar to consumer plans, but invoicing makes tax deductions simpler.

Coverage considerations

Coverage is excellent in urban areas across all operators. Differences appear in:

Rural areas – Movistar has the best rural coverage, followed by Orange and Vodafone. MVNOs using these networks inherit the same coverage.

Islands – Canary and Balearic Islands have good coverage from all major operators.

Mountains – Ski resorts and hiking areas may have limited coverage. Movistar is typically best in remote mountain areas.

Underground – Madrid and Barcelona metros have mobile coverage. Other cities vary.

Check coverage maps on operator websites for your specific area. Ask neighbors in rural areas which provider works best locally.

Tips for saving money

Bundle services – Combining mobile with home internet saves significantly. All major operators offer convergent packages.

Family plans – Adding lines to one account is cheaper than separate plans.

Loyalty offers – If you threaten to leave, retention departments often offer discounts. Call before your contract ends.

MVNO options – Low-cost operators use the same networks at half the price. Consider switching once your contract ends.

Data sharing – Some plans let you share data across family members’ lines.

Annual payment – Some operators offer discounts for paying annually versus monthly.

Summary

Getting a Spanish mobile is straightforward. Start with a prepaid SIM from any major carrier when you arrive—just bring your passport. Once you have your NIE and bank account, consider switching to a contract for better value.

Low-cost operators (MVNOs) offer the same network quality as premium carriers at significantly lower prices. For most users, €10-20 per month provides plenty of data and unlimited calls.